Hard Salami's Perfect Cheese Pairing Partners: A Guide

Hard salami is a delicious, complex Italian cured sausage with a more spiced and herby taste than pepperoni. Its unique flavour profile makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in sandwiches, on crackers, or on its own. But what cheese goes well with hard salami?

A popular choice is gouda, a semi-hard Dutch cheese with a sweet and nutty flavour that complements the savory and spicy notes of the salami. Another option is Havarti, a semi-soft cow's cheese with a buttery aroma and creamy texture that enhances the herbs and spices in the salami. For a more subtle flavour, Provolone is a good choice, especially in sandwiches.

Salami and cheese sandwich combinations

Salami and cheese is a classic combination that works well for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and even grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some mouth-watering salami and cheese combinations for sandwiches:

The Italian Club

A delicious combination of Italian meats, this sandwich is a flavourful upgrade to your average sandwich. It includes genoa salami, prosciutto, soppressata, and black forest ham, along with pepperoncinis, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. To elevate this sandwich even further, you can add Italian dressing, banana peppers, red onions, parmesan cheese, or arugula.

Provolone and Salami

Provolone is a popular choice for salami sandwiches, as its soft and gooey texture and mild flavour complement the salami well. This combination is simple yet tasty and can be enhanced with the addition of lettuce, tomatoes, and pepperoncinis.

Gouda and Salami

Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a sweet and creamy flavour that pairs well with salami. This combination is perfect for sandwiches, offering a blend of peppery-garlic and sweet-creamy flavours. For added texture and taste, include some sourdough flatbread crackers and Italian artichoke hearts.

Havarti and Salami

Havarti is a semi-soft cow's cheese with a buttery aroma and a creamy, smooth texture. When paired with salami, Havarti's butteriness enhances the herbs and spices in the meat, resulting in a delightful fusion of flavours. This combination is excellent on its own or as part of a larger charcuterie board.

Monterey Jack and Salami

Monterey Jack is a mild and buttery cheese with a slight tang that melts beautifully, making it a versatile choice for sandwiches. When paired with salami, it creates a harmonious blend of flavours that can be enjoyed on its own, on a cracker, or grilled in a tortilla.

These salami and cheese combinations offer a variety of flavour profiles and textures that are sure to elevate your sandwich experience. Experiment with different types of bread, spreads, and additional ingredients to create your perfect salami and cheese sandwich.

Salami and cheese platter arrangements

Salami and cheese is a classic combination, and a salami, cheese, and crackers platter is a great option when entertaining. When arranging a salami and cheese platter, it's important to consider how the flavours of the different components complement each other. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a delicious and elegant salami and cheese platter:

Choose the Right Cheeses

When selecting cheeses to pair with hard salami, consider those that will complement its savoury, spicy, and herby notes. Here are some recommended cheeses that go well with hard salami:

• Gouda: Gouda is a semi-hard Dutch cheese with a sweet and nutty flavour. It comes in various forms, including aged and smoky, and its sweetness can balance the savoury and spicy notes of the salami.
• Havarti: Havarti is a semi-soft cow's cheese with a buttery aroma and a creamy texture. Its butteriness enhances the herbs and spices in the salami, creating a delightful combination.
• Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack is a mild and buttery cheese with a slight tang. It melts well, making it versatile for various dishes. Its mild flavour won't overpower the salami, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Provolone: Provolone is a popular choice for sandwiches and goes well with salami. It has a subtle flavour that won't overwhelm the salami's spices.

Arrange the Platter

Now that you've selected your cheeses, it's time to arrange your salami and cheese platter. Here are some steps to create an appealing and tasty spread:

• Choose a suitable board or platter: Start by selecting a wooden board or a serving platter that is clean and presentable. This will be the base for your arrangement.
• Create rows of salami and cheese: Place the salami along one edge of the board in a row. Then, take the cheese and create a row next to the salami. Repeat this process, alternating rows of salami and cheese, to form the centrepiece of your platter.
• Add crackers and extras: Place the crackers in small piles near the edge of the board. You can also include extras like grapes, olives, roasted red peppers, or dried fruit to add interest and variety to your platter.
• Consider quantities: If you're serving a large group, adjust the quantities accordingly. You can create more rows of salami and cheese or add additional platters to ensure everyone has enough to enjoy.

Wine Pairings

To enhance your salami and cheese experience, consider pairing it with the right wine. Here are some suggested wine pairings to complement the flavours of the salami and cheese:

• Italian red wines: Dolcetto, Barbera, or a lighter Sangiovese (such as Chianti) can match the spicy and savoury characteristics of the salami.
• Sparkling wines: Prosecco or Lambrusco (a fruit-forward sparkling red) can provide a nice contrast to the salty and spicy elements of the platter.
• French red blends: Try a Carignan-based red blend from the Languedoc region, such as the Maxime Magnon La Démarrante, for good acidity that works well with the charcuterie.
• New World-style wines: If you prefer New World-style wines, a fruit-forward Zinfandel like the Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel can offset the spiciness of the salami.

Remember, the key to a successful salami and cheese platter is to choose complementary flavours and create a visually appealing arrangement. Play around with different combinations of cheeses, crackers, and extras to find your favourite pairings. Enjoy creating and indulging in your delicious salami and cheese platter!

Wine pairings for salami and cheese

When it comes to wine pairings for salami and cheese, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to consider the salt, fat, and spice levels in the salami and cheese, as these elements will interact with the wine's acidity, tannins, and other flavour components. Secondly, the wine should always be more acidic than the food, as this will help to refresh the palate and cut through the richness of the salami and cheese. Finally, it's a good idea to match the boldness of the wine to the boldness of the salami and cheese; a delicate wine should be paired with more subtle flavours, while a bolder wine can stand up to stronger flavours.

• German salami, which tends to be spicy, pairs well with something juicy and light-bodied like a Beaujolais. You could also match the spiciness of the salami with a spicy red wine, such as a young Northern Italian red.
• Fennel salami, which is highly aromatic, will often pair well with spicy reds such as Northern Italian young red wines.
• A grassy Sauvignon Blanc does not go well with salami or saucisson, according to one expert.
• Napa Cabernet Sauvignon would be too complex and structured to pair well with salami.
• Bordeaux blends are not a good match for charcuterie, as the tannin, wood, and darker leathery flavours can clash with the delicate flavours of the meat.
• If you have a selection of different salami styles on your charcuterie board, an Anjou or a light Loire red is a good all-rounder. Lambrusco is another option—it's light, fruity, and sparkling.
• If you're also serving cheese, an Italian Amarone or Valpolicella could be a good choice.
• Lomo, a dry-cured pork tenderloin from Spain, pairs well with Manchego cheese, grapes, melon slices, and French butter sea salt crackers. A Malbec or Merlot wine will complement this combination nicely.
• Prosciutto and Parmesan are delicious with cantaloupe melons and rustic sourdough flatbread bites, paired with a Tuscan red wine.
• Wild boar salami and Comté cheese are a great match, especially when served with sourdough flatbread crackers and a glass of Viognier or Chianti.
• Soppressata, a dry salami, and Havarti, a creamy semi-soft cheese, are a classic combination. Enjoy them with artichoke paste, rustic organic crackers, Taggiasche olives in brine, and a glass of Merlot or Syrah.
• Toscano salami and Parmigiano Reggiano are a tasty duo, especially when served with warm bread, basil extra virgin olive oil, and an amber ale.
• Black truffle salami and Trufa Negra cheese is an elegant and attractive pairing. Serve them with sundried tomatoes, sweet and crunchy Borettane onions, and rustic organic crackers for a luxurious charcuterie experience.
• Lonzino, a piquant dry-cured cut of pork with a lovely pink colour, pairs well with Rocinante Iberico, a traditional Spanish cheese made from a blend of cow, sheep, and goat milk. Enjoy them with Ligurian pesto, rustic sourdough flatbread bites, cornichons, Ligurian black olive paste, and a glass of Pinot Noir or an IPA.
• Venison salami and Pecorino Romano is a flavourful pairing. The Pecorino Romano can be served whole or in chunks, alongside dried fruit, candied nuts, or figs. Add some White Truffle Salami, sundried tomatoes in olive oil, rustic sourdough flatbread bites, and Taggiasche olives, and enjoy with a Chardonnay or an Imperial Stout.
• Bison salami and Gouda is a unique and delicious pairing. The sweet and creamy Gouda blends beautifully with the peppery-garlic notes of the bison salami. Enjoy them with sourdough flatbread crackers, Italian artichoke hearts, and a red or white Burgundy wine.

Gouda as a subtle flavour pairing

Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Netherlands and is typically made with cow's milk. It has a distinct aroma, a caramel flavour, and a dense texture. There are many varieties of gouda, including aged and smoked gouda, as well as spice-infused and herb-flecked versions.

Gouda's sweetness and nuttiness make it an excellent complement to salami's savoury and spicy notes. The peppery-garlic flavours of the salami and the sweet-creamy notes of the gouda blend beautifully, and depending on the age of the cheese, the pairing can have a smooth to sharp finish.

Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be served in a sandwich, on its own, or as part of a charcuterie board. When paired with salami, gouda adds a subtle yet delightful flavour that enhances the overall taste experience.

To create a well-rounded and flavourful charcuterie board, consider including other elements such as sourdough flatbread crackers, Italian artichoke hearts, and a glass of red or white Burgundy wine to complement the gouda and salami pairing.

Prosciutto and Parmesan as a classic combination

Prosciutto and Parmesan are a classic combination. Prosciutto is an Italian delicacy made from the hind leg of pork. It is important not to confuse it with pancetta, which comes from the belly of the pig. Prosciutto can be bought pre-sliced into tissue-thin pieces, or as a whole leg. The latter makes a deliciously elegant centerpiece for a family dinner.

When it comes to parmesan, its strong umami profile, rich, tangy, nutty, sharp, and fruity qualities make this cheese shine. With its powerful flavour, parmesan can take a savory dish from a ten to an eleven. Parmesan is aged notably longer than most cheeses, and it is this aging process that gives the cheese its granular texture and rich flavour.

The salty and crumbly parmesan meets the buttery and savory prosciutto in a waltz of flavours on your tongue. Prosciutto and Parmesan are both aged, which makes them incredibly flavorful and the best kind of salty-sweet.

To experience the full flavour of prosciutto and parmesan, serve them stacked on top of each other, secured with a toothpick. For a more flavourful kick, add a piece of dried fig or apricot to bring in acidity and sweetness. Enjoy this classic combination with a glass of your favourite Tuscan red.

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